About me

I’m Kirstyn Leuner, it’s nice to meet you. Thank you for visiting mountainlady.me, a blog about the non-professional and outdoorsy side of my life. If you’re interested in my academic work, visit my research websites: kirstynleuner.wordpress.com and stainforth.scu.edu.

climber

I started climbing in 2002, in Boulder, and I haven’t been able to quit. I especially love sport climbing, but have also done enough trad and bouldering to know that I don’t enjoy them as much as I relish clipping bolts and trying hard on a rope. Used to care deeply about 5.12+, and I now care more deeply about 5.happy.

biker

I love pedaling up and shredding down trails on two wheels. Long cross-country days, flow trails, and gravel are all on my menu. I road bike for workouts when I don’t have time to drive to a trailhead. I’m not usually the bravest or fastest, but I am often the most stoked. I also currently race with Team Roaring Mouse, a group of wonderful and inspiring people.

professor

I have a day+ job as faculty in the English Department at Santa Clara University. I mainly research 18th century women’s writing and book history, and I teach a range of courses. I work hard / play hard / rest hard / repeat.

cat mom

My husband and I live in the South Bay with our three cats, Cora, Blanca, and Luna.